Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

LS3 Transmission Suggestions?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 18, 2010 | 02:18 PM
  #1  
Joe D.430's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Default LS3 Transmission Suggestions?

Hi all,

I am going to be putting a LS3 motor in my 1982 corvette soon, and I am just trying to figure out what the best automatic transmission and rear end ratio would be for that motor in that car... Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Joe
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2010 | 10:43 AM
  #2  
Jimbo1367's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8,034
Likes: 663
Default

What are your plans for the car? If I was wanting a stick, I'd go T56 6-speed. Something like this www.summitracing.com/parts/CMG-TUET11012/ or just sourse one from a 4th gen F-body. You won't get the deeper 1st gearing though. (2.97 vs stock of 2.66) If a auto is your preference, then a 4L60E (60/65/70).
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2010 | 11:08 AM
  #3  
garys 68's Avatar
TECH Junkie
15 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,724
Likes: 39
From: Camdenton, MO
Default

The aluminum 82 vette diff housing only came in 2.8-2.7 something ratios. They were also not very strong. I would suggest checking what ratios ring/pinion gears are available for an 82. I'm guessing you wont find much.
If you're stuck with that stock rear end, it might be hard finding an auto OD trans that wont put you under a 1.9 overall ratio. Other than that the TH400 in your car would work.
For a manual, the Richmond 6 speed comes in a variety of 6th gear ratios and the TKO 600 5 speed is available with a 0.8 OD.
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2010 | 12:16 AM
  #4  
Joe D.430's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Default

Jimbo - The plan is for it to be just a street car, probably will leave the LS3 stock after it goes in. The 4L60E looks good, also the guy at Turnkey suggested the 4L65E. My father and I are working on this project, I like stick better but it is his car and he likes auto so I am thinkin auto it is ha... Gary you suggest the TH400 do you believe that is a better trans? Looks like from what I see on summit the TH400 is by ATI and the 4L60E is B&M? Looks like the 4L60E is a bit more pricey but if it is better quality I think we rather have that. About the rear end, we figured the stocker was definitely too weak, so we plan on replacing with a nice 12 bolt of some sort. There shouldn't be any problem making a 12 bolt work should there? Just not sure what kind of ratios would be good for a solid low end but still a decent highway gear... maybe 3.73:1?

Thanks for the responses guys
-Joe
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2010 | 12:44 AM
  #5  
garys 68's Avatar
TECH Junkie
15 Year Member
Photogenic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,724
Likes: 39
From: Camdenton, MO
Default

A 12 bolt is possible on ealier (uo to 79), but I'm not sure if the later ones can be easily converted. Look up Toms differentials for corvettes.
The TH400 is really tough, but the main reason I suggested it is because I'm thinking you may be stuck with the stock diff and an OD trans with a 2.73 rear is probably going to be too much gear.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:28 PM.

story-0
6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

Don't get dad new socks or a grill brush this year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-04 18:13:20


VIEW MORE
story-1
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-2
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-6
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-9
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE